Rainhard Fendrich: The Voice of Austrian Pop
Rainhard Fendrich is an Austrian singer-songwriter and a defining figure in German-language pop music. Hailing from Vienna, he has sold millions of records over his decades-long career, becoming one of Austria's most successful musical exports.
Early career
Born in 1955 in Vienna, Rainhard Fendrich initially pursued acting before turning his focus to music. His early work in the late 1970s established him as a sharp-witted songwriter, blending pop melodies with often socially critical and satirical lyrics in the Viennese dialect.
Breakthrough
Fendrich's national breakthrough came in 1980 with the hit single Strada del Sole. The song's massive popularity catapulted him to stardom and set the stage for a prolific period. His 1981 album Und alles ist ganz anders word'n solidified his status, featuring several enduring hits that remain staples of Austrian pop culture.
Key tracks
Strada del Sole - This 1980 smash hit became an anthem and marked Fendrich's arrival as a major chart force in Austria.
Weus'd a Herz hast wia a Bergwerk - A quintessential Austropop ballad from 1981, showcasing his skill for emotional, dialect-driven songwriting.
Macho Macho - A satirical and catchy take on masculinity from 1982, demonstrating his trademark blend of humor and social observation.
I am from Austria - Co-written with fellow Austrian artist Georg Danzer, this 1989 song evolved into an unofficial national anthem, especially popular at sporting events.
Schickeria - A critical yet melodic commentary on high society, proving his music could be both commercially successful and intellectually engaging.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Fendrich dominated the Austropop scene, releasing a consistent stream of successful albums and performing to sold-out crowds. His collaboration with the band Erste Allgemeine Verunsicherung on the 1995 hit Fata Morgana is another highlight, blending his style with the group's anarchic comedy. Beyond music, he has maintained a presence in film and television, reflecting his early training as an actor.
Fans of Rainhard Fendrich's brand of melodic, lyric-focused German-language pop might also enjoy the work of Georg Danzer, a fellow Viennese songwriter known for his clever and sometimes melancholic tunes. The iconic Austrian band Erste Allgemeine Verunsicherung shares Fendrich's satirical edge and cultural impact. For another pillar of the classic Austropop sound, explore Wolfgang Ambros, whose work similarly blends dialect with social commentary.
Rainhard Fendrich's extensive catalog of hits ensures his music is a frequent feature on German-language pop radio stations and dedicated Austropop channels. His songs form an essential part of the soundtrack for generations of listeners in Austria and beyond.
The music of Rainhard Fendrich is regularly featured across our network of radio stations. You can discover his classic hits and later work by tuning into the Austrian and German pop stations available on our platform.
